Dressage Day by Day

I ordered myself a pair of euro-star plaid, blingy breeches from Smartpak that I have been drooling over for months as a gift to myself for my birthday. Can't wait for them to arrive. Hope they fit! (I keep meaning to drop this extra 10 pounds!) Gadget gave me a little gift, too -- 6 flying changes with no bucks, leaps, or other acrobatics. Just changes. The key seems to be straightness (go figure). By collecting from the outside rein, cutting across the center of the ring and barely changing the flexion while giving half-halt on new outside rein, I got some nice changes.

Last weekend I rode in my monthly clinic with Ryan. As usual, he worked his magic in his quiet, methodical way. I have been working on getting Gadget rounder over the topline, but I have been worrying that I am just dumping him on his forehand. (After this weekend, I'm quite sure that's exactly what I have been doing.) Ryan had me warm Gadget up in his working frame where he is round and fairly level. To the right, I tend to overbend. I have been told this by so many trainers, yet it's a habit that is hard to kill. Ryan had me actually think of slight renver in the trot to move Gadget's shoulder's in front of his quarters. The key seems to be thinking of moving the shoulder and not necessarily moving the neck. Genius. I could see the difference instantly on the video. We went back to our "quick leg" exercise, which requires me to be very quiet with my aids and then get Gadget to get quicker from my legs. The goal is to get power from a quick hindle...

On Sunday, I had a really nice ride. I worked in the jumping ring keeping Gadget very forward and even in both reins. I think I am getting better about keeping my left rein light and playful. That change alone has been monumental. With the canter feeling forward and connected, I threw in some flying changes by doing a big change of direction through the middle of the ring while weaving around the jumps. Gadget seems to understand the aids for the change, but they are still quite a production. I am just glad he changes when I ask. The footing was soft since it had rained earlier in the day, which was a nice change from the hard, dry footing we've had for the last month or so. After a long walk break, I wanted to finish with some trot work. I asked for a trot and instantly felt Gadget take 3 lames steps. My heart turned cold. We walked then I asked one more time. Again -- lame. I hopped off and walked him back to the barn to find he had pulled his front left shoe half-way of...

On Thursday it was around 90 degrees, so I decided to wait until late evening to ride. It the perfect temperature and Gadget worked really well. I thought about lowering the neck and bring the hocks under to help keep Gadget round, but stepping up to the contact in the canter. Overall, I think it worked. I am mostly schooling on a 15-20 meter circle right now without much schooling of other movements. I am really focusing on keeping Gadget softer over the back and in the neck. Then by adding impulsion and activity from behind, I am hoping he will naturally come back up in the shoulders and neck. As we schooled in the large jumping ring this evening, Gadget gave a jump with new decorations the evil eye. However, aside from giving it a sideways glance and bit of a sidestep the first time we passed it, Gadget never gave it another thought. It reminded me that at nearly every show we have attended this year, Gadget is mostly described as a "trooper" by me and my friends. We ma...